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Celestron Ultima 100 ED Tripod/head help please (1 Viewer)

knuck45

Well-known member
Repost from another forum:

I'm a noob to birding/scoping. I just got an angled Ultima 100 ED spotting scope for a good price on craigslist. I want to use it for birding, target shooting, digiscoping (with a small point and shoot) and maybe some casual stargazing.

Would a Manfrotto 055XDB tripod with a Manfrotto 808RC4 3 way pan tilt head with quick release be a good combination for those activities? I checked the loading limits and both items are rated for over 15 pounds load. I'm not too concerned about the weight of the setup as a whole as I am a big guy and I need the exercise anyway :)

I also have a balancing plate to center the scope over the tripod. It's hard to tell from pictures on the Manfrotto site but it looks like a quick release plate bolts to the scope or balancing plate (if needed). Does that plate come with the head?

Thanks in advance.
 
More, no it doesn't, it is a 2008 or so version, the tripod fixture is solid. My main use will be for birding and digiscoping, so if my original tripod/head selection is not good for stargazing I will still be happy. I am trying to keep the cost of the tripod/head under $250.

Thanks
 
Moore, can you tell me if the 3 way pan/tilt quick release head is the best type for birding? I think I am confident with other aspects of my selection. I want to pull the trigger on this before January 15, some rebates from Manfrotto expire then.
 
Frank, I took your advice and ended up with a Manfrotto 128 RC fluid head; I also got a Manfrotto 055XB tripod. I was a little worried about the 128 handling the Celestron but I took it out birding last Saturday and it handled it just fine, and looks like it will for years to come.

Thanks for your input!
 
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